Historic masterpieces on auction The Clocktime team was invited to the viewing and latest Fine Clocks sale on 2nd July at Bonhams’ magnificent showroom at 101 New Bond Street, London. It’s a well-known fact that the prestigious auction house is one of the best ways to view at close quarters historic timepieces before they are snapped up by the world’s leading collectors. One of our favourites was an extremely rare German clock by Andoni Riebengart, Passau, dated 1674, standing 55 cms (21.5 inches) high. The primary dial has a gilt Roman chapter ring, concentric minutes and quarters, age of moon and moonphase aperture and the centre engraved with a townscape. Director James Stratton, MRICS is the only professionally qualified valuer of clocks in the auction world today. As the main auctioneer for the highly specialist clock sales, he has an unrivalled understanding of the intricacies of the clock market. James regularly advises national institutions, is a past steward of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and has served on the council of the Antiquarian Horological Society (AHS) since 2016. He also hosted the Innovation & Collaboration exhibition in 2018 which showcased a large number of clocks from the John C Taylor Collection. The next clock sale takes place on 26th November 2025 and is well worth putting in your diary now. If you’ve a top quality antique or prestige clock you would to like sell, you can contact Bonhams who will provide you with a free auction estimate. In the meantime, we are following James’ recommendation of looking at the in-depth database of clockmakers available via the AHS.
